Sweet and Sour Book Selections

Noggin

Summary: Travis Coates should have died. Instead, he signed up for a chance to live again, by removing his head from his body, freezing his consciousness, and transplanting himself (via head) to another. He missed five years of his life, and wakes up as if it was only a quick nap. Things have changed, but he hasn’t. He’ll do what he must to earn back his friends, girlfriend, and previously normal life in his new body.

Travis makes this book! Whaley captures the character’s voice brilliantly, and it was a compelling choice to make Travis the first-person narrator, who can tell his own story. He’s charming, hilarious, and heart-breaking all at the same time, flawed in his decision-making and perfectly adolescent. (Though, let’s hope that not all teenage boys stalk and harass their ex-girlfriends. There is such a thing as limits.) This book is an easy read, due to how relatable this character is. I always wanted to know what happened next, and Travis never failed me.

Okay, he may have disappointed me a bit, but never failed me. Travis is human, he makes mistakes, he experiences denial, and eventually he learns the devastation of having to move on (#sorrynotsorry for the spoiler alert, kinda). He’s powerful and intense. There is a raw energy about this book, and you’d have to be inhuman not to connect. Strong character growth, funny dialogue, and an excellent supporting cast. The only issue I have is the slightly open ending. I wanted a bit more resolution, but it’s fine. I got what I wanted.

Recommended for older teenage boys. Someone once described this book to me as a “dude” book, and that is probably the best way to describe the book overall.